society
Abiodun lists random kidnapping, cultism biggest security challenges confronting Ogun
Abiodun lists random kidnapping, cultism biggest security challenges confronting Ogun
Ogun State governor, Dapo Abiodun, has listed random kidnapping and cultism as the biggest security challenges confronting the state.
Abiodun who made this known on Wednesday when he played host to the new Assistant Inspector General of Police in charge Zone 2, Johnson Kokumo in his office at Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, equally said Ogun with many federal roads would require huge manpower and equipment to monitor criminal activities on the roads.
The governor lauded the Air Wing of the Police Force for helping in combating criminal activities, especially kidnapping in the state.
He commends the AIG for his initiative to provide security at Kara and under the Long Bridge axis of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.
Abiodun explained that the Nigerian Army, through its General Officer Commanding (GOC), had pledged to support the state by deploying tracking equipment to track kidnappers, urging men of the Nigeria Police to work in synergy with the Army to achieve the set objective.
“The biggest issues we have today in Ogun State are that of random kidnapping and cult activities.
“I believe that the cult activities have abated now because of the joint efforts of the Nigeria Police, the State Security Services, and the Nigerian Army.
“However, we are still struggling and dealing with issues that relate to the kidnapping of contractors, farmers, and innocent Ogun State residents. We sincerely hope that as we go along in our relationship, we will collaborate to ensure that we reduce this incident of kidnapping to absolute zero”, the governor said.
While describing insecurity as an act of sabotage, he said Ogun has been proactive in the area of security by rejigging the State Security Trust Fund, which according to him, had helped in providing patrol vans, communication, and other gadgets to enable security agencies carry out their functions effectively.
Abiodun, however, thanked President Muhammadu Buhari for approving the use of a Nigeria Police helicopter that has been working and providing air surveillance in the state.
He said: “The use of that helicopter greatly assisted us in reducing the response time to kidnap situations and consequently reduced kidnap situations. I understand that the helicopter has been re-assigned for use somewhere else, it is my hope that AIG, you will use your good office to ensure that the helicopter is redeployed back to Ogun State.
“You will note that Ogun has an unusual amount of federal roads compared to other states. We have the Lagos-Ibadan expressway, Epe-Ijebu-Ode, Sagamu-Ikorodu, and the Lagos-Ota-Abeokuta road, all these are federal roads. We find out that 80 to 90% of the stretch of these roads are in Ogun State and it is humanly impossible for the men of the Nigeria Police to patrol all those roads as adequately as they require
“But each time we have a distress call on any of those locations, either from Yewa, meaning Imeko, Ipokia all the way to Ogun Waterside or Ijebu-Igbo, the helicopter was able to respond swiftly to the distress calls while your men now move in, thereby ensuring that the kidnappers are not able to leave the immediate corridor before the men arrive. I want to use this opportunity to implore that you help us to discuss with your men of the Air Wing to ensure the speedy return of this helicopter”.
Speaking earlier, AIG Kokumo said Zone 2 comprising Ogun and Lagos States police commands were planning a joint operation between the two commands to fight criminals, particularly at Kara and Under the Bridge along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.
This, according to him, is to ensure that adequate security is provided for companies, industries, and individuals operating along the axis.
The AIG who hinted that he was in the state on a familiarisation visit, noted that the Zone was working on a synergy between the Marine Olive Units of Lagos and Ogun State command to provide security in the coastal areas.
Kokumo also appreciated the Abiodun-led administration in the state for providing the necessary working tools to the police force, noting “without the commitment of the governor, policing the state would have been difficult”
society
RAMADAN CHARITY: TY BURATAI HUMANITY CARE FOUNDATION AND UFAM HOLDINGS LTD EXTEND FOOD RELIEF TO MANDO COMMUNITY
*RAMADAN CHARITY: TY BURATAI HUMANITY CARE FOUNDATION AND UFAM HOLDINGS LTD EXTEND FOOD RELIEF TO MANDO COMMUNITY*
In a remarkable display of compassion and community support, the TY Buratai Humanity Care Foundation, in collaboration with UFAM Holdings Ltd, successfully distributed food relief to over 1,000 less privileged individuals in the Mando community, Afaka, Igabi, Kaduna State, as part of the Ramadan celebrations.
The initiative, aimed at alleviating hunger during this sacred month, saw community members receiving essential food items to ensure they can observe Ramadan with dignity and sustenance. The distribution took place at the Skill Acquisition Centre, where beneficiaries gathered to collect their food packages.
During the event, the Deputy Chief Imam of Mando Central Mosque, Sheikh Bashir Adam Saleh Algoni, expressed his gratitude for the philanthropic effort. “We appreciate this gesture immensely,” he stated. He urged the public to keep the Grand Patron of the Foundation, His Excellency Amb Lt Gen Tukur Yusufu Buratai, in their prayers, acknowledging his ongoing commitment to helping the less privileged. He also highlighted the contributions of UFAM Holdings Ltd, urging support for their charitable endeavors.
Beneficiaries of the food relief expressed their profound gratitude, offering prayers for Allah’s blessings on both the foundation and the company for their generous assistance during this holy month.
In his remarks, the Special Guest of Honour, His Excellency Amb Lt Gen Tukur Yusufu Buratai CFR Rtd, former Chief of Army Staff and Grand Patron of the Foundation, who was represented by Col Haruna Idris Zaria Rtd, thanked the public for their continuous prayers. He emphasized the importance of using the month of Ramadan to pray for the betterment of the country and an end to the insecurity plaguing the nation. He also urged the community to support and pray for security agencies, recognizing their sacrifices in maintaining peace and safety.
This charitable initiative not only highlights the spirit of Ramadan but also reinforces the importance of community solidarity and mutual support during challenging times.
Obi’s Reform Agenda Rekindles Scrutiny of Nigeria’s Political Wealth
By George Omagbemi Sylvester | Published by SaharaWeeklyNG
“Momodu’s remarks spotlight elite affluence as analysts warn of resistance to cost-cutting reforms.”
Prominent publisher and politician Dele Momodu has reignited debate over the vast wealth attributed to sections of Nigeria’s political class, asserting publicly that certain politicians could raise as much as $500 million at short notice to secure presidential power. Though no names were mentioned, the claim has sharpened national conversations about transparency, accountability, and the true cost of governance.
Nigeria’s persistent struggle with corruption is well documented by bodies such as Transparency International, whose global assessments frequently rank the country low on public sector integrity. The optics of expansive private mansions, luxury assets, and foreign-based lifestyles among political families continue to fuel public suspicion, particularly in a nation grappling with inflation, debt pressures, and widespread poverty.
The controversy unfolds against the backdrop of reform advocacy by Peter Obi, who has consistently argued for cutting governance costs and institutionalizing fiscal discipline. Political economist Professor Pat Utomi maintains that entrenched elites often resist structural reform, describing elite capture as a systemic barrier to democratic accountability. Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka has similarly warned that democracy without transparency breeds cynicism and instability.
While no specific officeholders have been formally indicted in connection with Momodu’s remarks, the broader issue remains potent: public demand for principled leadership is rising, and scrutiny of political wealth is unlikely to fade as future elections approach.
“Obi Would Defeat Even Jesus at the Polls”: Viral Remark Sparks Political Debate Online
By George Omagbemi Sylvester
A viral statement by a prominent supporter of former Anambra State governor and Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi has ignited widespread reactions across Nigeria’s political landscape. The supporter, popularly known as Mama Pee, declared during a live social media broadcast earlier this week that “If Jesus comes down to contest in Nigeria, Obi go win am,” a remark intended to emphasize Obi’s perceived popularity among his core supporters.
The comment, which surfaced on X and Facebook, quickly generated sharp responses from supporters of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). While many Labour Party loyalists defended the statement as political exaggeration, critics described it as reflective of growing personality-driven politics.
Obi, who contested the 2023 presidential election under the Labour Party and placed third according to official results released by the Independent National Electoral Commission, has not issued any public response to the remark.
The episode underscores the continued intensity of political engagement following the 2023 general elections, with online discourse increasingly shaping narratives around Nigeria’s evolving democratic space.
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